Support independent Queen Anne retailers with the “3/50” initiative

How many times have you left your neighborhood to run errands, only to breathe a sigh of relief as you return to familiar streets? As Seattle is a city built on great neighborhoods, I am sure many of us feel that way about our own communities.

I am thrilled that in a short jaunt from my house, I can buy locally grown produce for dinner, a handmade teething toy for my baby, and a bag of sensitive tummy food for my dog (aka the other baby). What if we made more of an effort to eat, shop, and socialize right here in Queen Anne? Your purchases, no matter how small, are what keep those businesses around.

3/50 Logo

Which is why I was so interested to learn about the 3/50 Project, which has been adopted by the Upper Queen Anne Merchants Group, and is based on a very simple concept. What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in, say hello, and spend $50. When you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits.

According to Indiebound.org, if $100 is spent at an independent store, $68 stays in your community. If you spend the same $100 at a nationwide chain, the community only sees $43. If you spend it online, nothing comes back to the community.

Your independent store owners are your friends and neighbors. They are the same ones you see at the Farmer’s Market, renting a movie, or walking their dog. They are the ones who donate to local school fundraisers, promote community events, and will post flyers if you lost your kitty, are having a garage sale, or your daughter wants a babysitting job. These are the stores where the owner is behind the counter day after day, remembers your name, and truly cares about your feedback.

So who are the independent retailers on Upper Queen Anne? The 3/50 Project defines independent businesses based on factors such as owner operated decision making (regarding purchasing, appearance, etc), as well as having no more than six retail outlets. After all, “local” does not always mean independent. For a guide to Upper Queen Anne independent businesses, click here.

We know that most people cannot currently afford to spend more money, as so many of us are on a budget. But we can choose to put some of that monthly budget back into our own neighborhood, where it will make the most impact to the immediate community. Pick 3, spend $50, and you just may end up saving the local economy.